Here’s an argument for fine-tuning your multitasking. A car achieves better MPGs (and thus better fuel economy) when it can go from A to B with less stops, i.e. city versus highway driving. Multitasking is no different. When you take a project—or even part of one—from A to B with less stops along the way efficiency increases. Jumping from one task to the next adds reintegration lag time as you get back up to speed with where you left off.

Do you want to increase efficiency in your daily workflow? Focus on driving a task from A to B with as few starting and stopping points along the way. Break a task down into smaller tasks if need be to avoid unexpected stops. Work smart and economically, you’ll feel better at the end of the day.